Explain what the TLS protocol is and what it is used for on the internet.

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure data transmission over the internet. It is used to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information between a client and a server.

Main functions of TLS:

• Data encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
• Server (and sometimes client) authentication to confirm their identity.
• Data integrity to prevent alteration during transmission.

An example of use is HTTPS, where TLS secures web traffic, making the connection safe from eavesdropping and attacks.